More than just basketball: A parent's story

"I recently had a lovely conversation with my son, Gabriel, and asked him: 'Do you remember when Dave blessed you with a pair of trainers, and when Mell used to take you to basketball because we didn’t have a car yet?'

Gabriel smiled and said that he remembered.

I told him, 'Please always remember where we came from. Remember the times when we didn’t have too much, but we were fortunate to have people around us who showed us kindness, gave us their time and helped us when we needed it'.

Those moments may have seemed small at the time, but they meant so much to our family. The kindness, encouragement and support that Dave, Mell and Leicester Dynamite gave Gabriel helped him continue playing the sport he loves. That support has stayed with him and continues to be part of his basketball journey today.

For us, Leicester Dynamite has been about much more than simply turning up to play basketball. It has been about community, opportunity, friendship and people looking out for one another.

Sometimes a young person just needs someone to believe in them, encourage them and give them an opportunity. Whether that means providing a pair of trainers, helping them get to a session, giving them advice or simply making sure they know that somebody cares, these things can make a lasting difference in a young person’s life.

As a parent, I will always be grateful for what Leicester Dynamite has done for Gabriel and for our family.

Thank you, Dave and Mell, for your kindness and support, and thank you to everyone at Leicester Dynamite for continuing to give the young people of Leicester a place where they can belong, develop, build confidence and stay healthy both mentally and physically.

The impact you have on young people goes far beyond the basketball court. These are memories and lessons they can carry with them for the rest of their lives.

Thank you for giving Gabriel his opportunity and for continuing to create opportunities for the next generation of young people in Leicester."